Chapter 5 - The Three-Million-Dollar Extortion Scheme
While Noah was monitored under pediatric observation, Detective Marcus Vance finalized the digital reconstruction of the crime.
Displayed on the police monitors were the text messages exchanged between Ryan and Diane from that afternoon:
Ryan (2:14 PM): ‘Make sure the chain is tight enough to leave red marks before Emily gets back from the grocery store. I have the property transfer deed ready on the counter.’
Diane (2:20 PM): ‘I’m holding his head down now. The boy is crying loudly. The audio is perfect. She will give us whatever we demand.’
"This constitutes Premeditated Extortion, Aggravated Kidnapping of a Minor, Felony Child Abuse, and False Imprisonment under Virginia Code § 18.2-47," Detective Vance declared.
"And what about the house?" Arthur asked.
"The residence at 442 Ridgeview Road was purchased entirely with funds from the Emily Sterling Living Trust," Julian Hayes explained. "Ryan Vance only held a spousal conditional residence title that becomes instantly void upon proof of domestic felony battery."
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Arthur closed the folder with a sharp, resounding snap.
"Let’s go reclaim my daughter’s house."
